This lecture centered around the theme of “bearing fruit” and was guided by three reflection questions for group discussion prior to the lecture:

• What does it mean to “bear fruit”?
• How can we “bear fruit”?
• Have you ever been hated by the world because of following Jesus? What did you experience, and has your understanding changed after reading today’s passage?

The Meaning of “Bearing Fruit”

Pastor Faith began by uncovering the biblical foundation of fruitfulness, referring to the first words God ever spoke to humanity in Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply.” She explained that this was not merely about physical multiplication but pointed to God’s greater design for human life: to live in a way that reflects His image, reproduces His love, and blesses the world.

Jesus, as the true vine, perfectly embodied this purpose. His life was one of abundant fruitfulness – marked by perfect love and unity with the Father, and overflowing with compassion, peace, healing, and salvation for others. In contrast, Pastor Faith noted how the lives of many in Jesus’ time, especially among the religious elite, had become lifeless and burdensome under the weight of 600 laws. Like the cursed fig tree, their faith bore no real fruit.

Jesus upheld and fulfilled the greatest commandment: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He called His disciples to bear fruit by remaining in Him, living in His love, and sharing that love with others. This, Pastor Faith explained, is the true meaning of a fruitful life – one that mirrors Jesus’ love and glorifies the Father.

How to Bear Fruit: Pruning and Union

To live such a fruitful life, two essential steps were emphasized: being pruned by the Father and being united with Jesus Christ.

1. Pruned by the Father, the Gardener
   Drawing from John 15:2, Pastor Faith explained that the Father lovingly prunes every branch that bears fruit, so it may bear even more. This pruning process involves cutting away everything that is worldly, defiling, or distracting from the life of Christ within us. Whether it is secular influence, unhealthy habits, or selfish desires, God uses His Word to cleanse us and shape us. As Jesus said in John 15:3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” The Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth, sanctifies believers to live a life that increasingly reflects Christ.
2. United with Jesus Christ, the True Vine
   Pastor Faith then unpacked the meaning of being united with Christ in three dimensions:
   • Loved and Redeemed in Christ: Union begins not with what we do, but with what Christ has already done. He loved us first, redeemed us through His blood, and gave us new birth. Through this, we are grafted into Him – the true vine – and receive a new life rooted in His love.
   • Living the Commandment of Love: True union with Christ leads us to obey His command to love one another as He loved us (John 15:12). This Christ-like love is sacrificial and unconditional, and it is the clearest evidence that we are abiding in Him.
   • Fellowship in Christ’s Sufferings: Pastor Faith reminded attendees that abiding in Christ also means sharing in His sufferings. Just as the world hated Jesus, His followers will face persecution and rejection. However, this fellowship in suffering deepens our union with Him and strengthens our witness to the world.

Group Reflection and Sharing

After the lecture, participants gathered in small groups to reflect the grace received in the lecture. The sharing were filled with sincerity and spiritual breakthroughs. One brother shared how the gospel liberated him from a legalistic approach to parenting, allowing love and grace to take root in his family. Another testified about the challenges of maintaining faith amid business relationships and how the message helped him embrace humility and a Christ-centered posture.

Conclusion

This Easter Retreat lecture served as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not a matter of external performance but internal transformation. As believers are pruned by the Father and remain united with Christ, they are empowered to live fruitful lives that glorify God and serve others with His love.

The message of John 15 continues to echo: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” May all who attended this retreat walk forward with renewed desire to abide in Christ and live fruitfully for the Kingdom of God.

Lecture 3 of the Easter Retreat at Oceania Olivet Center was delivered by Pastor Faith Yang, OA Oceania General Secretary. The retreat continued to bring deep spiritual insights and powerful reflection through this important lecture.

Before the message, cell groups were given three discussion questions to prepare their hearts and minds. Two questions were designed to review the previous sermons and lectures, while the third question invited participants to reflect more personally. It asked: What is the reason for joy in Jesus? Another key question was: What are the three purposes of the coming of the Lord? These questions helped to guide the audience into the theme of the lecture.

Pastor Faith’s message focused on the judgment that was brought through the life of Jesus Christ. She clearly explained the meanings of sin, righteousness, and judgment as taught in the Gospel of John.

1. Sin

The lecture began with the topic of sin. It was explained that even worldly standards of morality help people recognize sinful actions. John the Baptist also called people to repent, but the repentance he taught was mainly about various deeds and behaviors.

However, the sin highlighted through the Gospel is deeper. On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke about the sin of “murdering the author of life.” This means that rejecting Jesus, who is the full expression of God’s love, is a great sin. To not believe in Jesus is to reject the love God has freely given to all. This gave the audience a deeper understanding that sin is not just about actions, but also about rejecting the One whom God has sent.

2. Righteousness

Pastor Faith then explained the difference between the old righteousness and the new righteousness. The old righteousness, based on the Law, exposes people’s sins and brings judgment. But Jesus revealed a new righteousness-one that comes from the grace of God.

Even though all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, they are justified freely through faith in Jesus Christ. This grace is given without discrimination. Not only did Jesus reveal the righteousness of God, but He also gives this righteousness to those who accept His love.

The message strongly emphasized that faith means accepting. Many retreat participants were touched by this point. Some shared later that they had always thought they needed to do something or give something to receive salvation. But the message helped them realize that salvation comes by receiving and accepting what Jesus has already done. The children of God are called to open their hearts to what the Lord has given, not to rely on human works.

3. Judgment

The final part of the lecture explored the meaning of judgment. Pastor Faith led the audience through the reasons behind God’s creation of the world and human beings. Using Jeremiah 17:9, she explained how the human heart became corrupted-“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.”

Because of sin, Satan became the ruler of this world, ruling over people through the weakness of their flesh. Many false teachings separate the heart from the body, claiming to be spiritual while continuing in corruption, like empty kernels of weeds.

However, Jesus came in the flesh and lived as a real man. Through His physical death on the cross, He overcame the power of death and broke Satan’s rule. This judgment came not only in words, but through the very life of Jesus. The church is now called to witness this truth and live by the victory Jesus has accomplished in His body.

Lecture 3 was a powerful time of truth and grace. It helped the retreat participants understand the deep spiritual meaning behind sin, righteousness, and judgment, and led many to reflect on how the children of God are to respond to the love of God. The message made clear that true joy in Jesus comes not from what the believers do, but from receiving what Christ has already done.

Dr. Kathy explained three main purposes for Jesus’ coming: first, as the revelation of God; second, as the Saviour to save sinners; and third, as the Lord to show the Way of life. Jesus made God known, brought salvation, and guided people into a new life.

The lecture then explored the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent to lead those who had been justified through Christ. While Jesus changed their state-from sinners to forgiven-the Holy Spirit changes their status by sanctifying them and making them holy. The Spirit completes and perfects the salvation Jesus provided, preparing believers to live in God’s presence.

Another important part of the message was the explanation of the “Era of the Holy Spirit.” Dr. Kathy taught that history has passed through three stages: first, the era of lawlessness when people did not recognize sin; second, the Era of the Law, when Moses received the law that pointed out sin but could not remove it; and third, the Era of Grace through Jesus Christ. In a broader view, history is also divided into the Era of the Father (when God spoke through messengers), the Era of the Son (when God revealed Himself through Jesus), and the Era of the Holy Spirit (when God dwells in those who believe in Jesus).

Dr. Kathy concluded by sharing the most important truth: God revealed Himself as a Triune God because of His deep love. The Holy Father loves the world. The Holy Son loves the world. The Holy Spirit loves the world. Out of this love, the Triune God makes Himself known to His people.

This lecture helped all participants grow in their understanding of God’s love and His divine plan of salvation through the Trinity. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply God cares for His people and how He continues to be with them through His Spirit.

Before the crucifixion, Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come. He spoke of sorrow turning into joy, and encouraged them with the promise of resurrection. But He also revealed a joy that was already present even before the resurrection, and was not dependent on circumstances. This is the joy rooted in divine love.

At the heart of creation, when God formed man and woman, He said, “It is very good.” This wasn’t merely the satisfaction of finishing a masterpiece. It was the joy of a parent giving birth to a new life. God’s joy was in creating beings who could grow, mature, and freely respond to His love. Love gives freedom, and in that freedom there is joy when the child responds to the parents’s love. That is the heart of God in creation.

Even though man fell, God didn’t give up on man. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus, to show us how to live in response to that love. Jesus, as a true human being, prayed with tears and learned obedience. In doing so, He showed us what it means to live as true human.

As Jesus faced the cross, He didn’t see it as defeat, but as the doorway to new life. The cross was not the end-it was the beginning of resurrection. And that resurrection life now lives in us.

This is the joy we are called to live with as a church-not a superficial happiness, but a deep, redemptive joy. It is the joy that comes from communion with the Father and the Son, a unity formed in love and tested through suffering. Just as the apostles in Acts 5:40-42 rejoiced in sharing Christ’s suffering, so too can we rejoice in our trials, knowing they are part of God’s redemptive work.

After the message, the members joined in Holy Communion to remember the Lord’s suffering and resurrection, partaking in the body and blood of Christ with reverence and gratitude.

May the church be filled with this joy-the joy of the resurrection that is alive in us through Christ.

Drawing from Romans 5:11-21, Pastor Yang preached a sermon titled “Grace Reigns through Righteousness Leading to Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The message highlighted the limitless grace of God, which, through the righteousness of Christ, offers eternal life to all who believe. The congregation was led to reflect deeply on the true meaning of Christmas—a celebration of God’s redeeming love and the salvation given through His Son.

The sermon explored the “Theory of Representation,” grounding it in both Old and New Testament passages. It explained the spiritual connection and influence of Adam’s sin and Christ’s righteousness, as well as the resulting curses and blessings. Pastor Yang addressed contemporary challenges in understanding how Adam’s sin continues to affect humanity today and how the righteousness of Jesus Christ, established 2,000 years ago, is imparted to believers. The theological depth of the message offered clarity and inspiration, urging attendees to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s righteousness.

This special service served as a poignant reminder of the hope, joy, and peace found in Jesus Christ and called believers to live as witnesses of His grace and righteousness.

May the message of this Christmas continue to inspire hearts to draw nearer to the Lord and to walk boldly in the light of His grace.

Church ministers commended this creative and healthy approach to evangelism, highlighting its effectiveness in building relationships and inviting new people into the church community. Recognizing its impact, the church has officially established the badminton fellowship as a recurring event, now held every Tuesday.

Praised to be God for this initiative and the opportunities it provides to connect with others in a fun and welcoming environment. Please pray for this fellowship as it continues to grow and serve as a bridge for sharing the Gospel and fostering community in Christ.

The chaplaincy booth, which featured interactive coloring activities, successfully drew students in for meaningful conversations. Notably, a group of Sri Lankan students, primarily of Buddhist backgrounds, gathered around the table. Despite not being particularly devout, they shared strong values centered on family and community. Though they had only recently met, they quickly bonded, displaying warmth and mutual support reminiscent of long-time friendships. This highlights the chaplaincy’s role in fostering connections and providing a welcoming space for all students.

Chaplain Pastor Daniella Li is aware of the opportunity of cross-cultural evangelism opportunities among the International students on campus. The students who have difficult access to Christian services and Gospel messages are able to have higher exposure to the Christian activities in Australia. The youths who are hesitate to open hearts to the invitation to the knowledge of the Scripture tend to be more receptive to the approach of the missionaries as they are seeking a safe and welcoming community when they study overseas

The Book of Galatians, a powerful New Testament letter penned by the Apostle Paul, was the centerpiece of the retreat’s agenda. Participants delved deeply into its themes of Christian freedom, faith, grace, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Through guided discussions and reflective sessions, the staff explored Paul’s teachings that emphasize salvation by grace through faith alone, without the necessity of adhering to the old Mosaic Law.

Keynote speakers led the group through each chapter, highlighting the pivotal messages that Paul conveyed to the Galatian churches. The retreat underscored the liberating power of the Holy Spirit, who not only frees believers from the bondage of legalism but also empowers them to live a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Through communal prayer, worship, and interactive workshops, the retreat fostered a deeper understanding of how to live out these Christ-like qualities in daily life and ministry. Attendees left the retreat renewed and inspired, equipped with a refreshed vision to guide their congregations in embodying the freedom and grace found in Christ, and in cultivating a life led by the Spirit. The Olivet Centre’s tranquil environment contributed to a spiritually enriching experience, making the retreat a resounding success.

The Olivet Centre in Central Coast, NSW, hosted a special Easter retreat organized by Olivet Assembly Oceania. Around fifty people joined in for a three-day, two-night event filled with learning, fellowship, and fun.

The retreat focused on understanding a part of the Bible called Romans 3. Through simple lectures, attendees learned about important ideas like why bad things happen and how Jesus saves us. The retreat helped everyone understand more about their faith and how it connects to their lives.

Besides the lectures, there were small group discussions where people could share their thoughts and make new friends. And of course, there was time for games and relaxation, adding to the joy of the event.

Many people felt a special sense of closeness to God during the retreat. They left feeling refreshed and inspired, ready to live out their faith in a deeper way.

The Easter retreat at Olivet Centre was a wonderful time of learning, friendship, and spiritual growth. Attendees left with hearts full of hope and gratitude for the experience.

Venue: Olivet Centre in Mangrove Mountain

Olivet Assembly Australia churches are gearing up to celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 28 with a special service. Pentecost, also known as the “birthday of the church,” commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early Christian disciples as recorded in the Bible. Churches in Australia will be coming together to hold a special service to commenmorate this significant day. The celebrations will include worship, prayer, and teachings focused on the work and significance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It’s expected to be a time of joyful celebration and deepening of faith as local churches come together to commemorate this important event in the Christian calendar.